USFS Pile Burning

For the next 3 days, fire crews will be burning piles on the Black Hills National Forest.  Mystic Ranger District will be burning piles along Twin Springs Road area and the Hell Canyon Ranger District will be burning piles 2-6 miles west / northwest of Custer, SD.

12/27/2016 South Dakota Wildland Fire Slash Pile Burning

The Black Hat and Bear Mountain Handcrews will be burning slash piles in both the Rockerville and Hermosa areas today.  Ignitions may continue throughout the week, if conditions allow.

12/21/16 - Black Hills National Forest Pile Burning Information

Hell Canyon fire is burning piles today approximately 1 to 2 miles NE of Moon & SW of Red Bank Springs.

12/20/2016 Mount Rushmore National Memorial Burning Slash Piles

Release Date:    December 20, 2016 Contact: Marvin Achtenberg, marvin_achtenberg@nps.gov 605-574-3195

Prescribed Burn Reducing Slash Piles 

KEYSTONE, S.D. – Tuesday, December 20 Mount Rushmore National Memorial will implement a prescribed burn to reduce accumulated slash piles in support of the park’s fire management plan. The burns will be ignited in the south east part of the memorial today.

Visitors may see hand crews working in the forest, burning slash piles or experience drifting smoke and haze throughout the burn period.  Natural barriers within the prescribed section ensure a clear and safe operational area.  The prescription includes burning residual slash piles, removal of needle accumulation and minimal ground cover.  

Mount Rushmore National Memorial has successfully completed several fuel-reducing projects in the past several years in an attempt to provide a means to stop or slow the growth of any unwanted wildfire.  These projects have included thinning, through prescribed fire or mechanical removal, overcrowded stands of timber near critical structures and areas within the memorial.

12/19/2016 South Dakota Wildland Fire Pile Burning

The Black Hat and Bear Mountain Handcrews will be burning slash piles in both the Boulder Canyon and Hermosa areas today.  Ignitions may continue tomorrow, weather dependent.

Hermosa Pile Burning - photo by Brandy Petersen

Hermosa Pile Burning - photo by Brandy Petersen

12/16/16 South Dakota Wildland Fire Pile Burning

• The Hot Springs Field Office is planning to ignite slash piles today and through the weekend as necessary near Angostura Lake / Shep’s Recreation Area.  

12/16/16 - Black Hills National Forest Pile Burning Information

• Hell Canyon will be burning piles starting today (12/16/16) through the next several days W of Custer, SD, NE of the Tepee Work Center and SE of Jewel Cave National Monument.

Piles Burning to occur in Custer State Park

Custer, SD; December 16, 2016 – Custer State Park personnel will begin burning piles starting Friday, December 16  to help reduce hazardous fuel throughout the park.

Starting today and continuing throughout the winter, Custer State Park staff will be burning piles as long as conditions allow. This weekend pile burning will occur in the northwest area of the park to the north and west of Mount Coolidge, along American Center Road, and along Needles Highway.

Custer State Park will be working to burn both machine slash piles and hand piles. The piles are created from the left-over non-merchantable material generated by timber sales and from small tree thinning projects designed to reduce fuel loading and fire risk.

“By removing these piles we reduce fuel build up which can in turn can assist with reducing larger fire hazards in the park.” states Rochelle Plocek, fire forester.

Smoke will be visible and may impact local communities surrounding Custer State Park for the next several months. Piles can be expected to continue burning for days after ignition operations are completed. Firefighters will continually check and mop-up the piles until they are out.

Pile burning operations will continue throughout the winter as conditions allow.

For more pile burning information check the Custer State Park Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CusterStatePark/ or contact the Park Office at 605-255-4800. 

12/14/2016 - South Dakota Wildland Fire Burning Slash Piles

• South Dakota Wildland Fire will be burning slash piles at the northwest corner of Deadwood from the Broken Boot Mine working to the east to Denver Street through the week, weather permitting.  

12/12/16 - Black Hills National Forest Pile Burning Information

• Hell Canyon fire is burning piles today through the week, conditions permitting, near Six Mile Rd (FSR 301) south to Limestone Rd (FSR 284).

12/8/16 - Black Hills National Forest Pile Burning Information

Northern Hills fire is burning along Hwy 385 today on the West side. Smoke will range from the Sugar Shack area north up to the Custer Peak area.

12/6/16 - Black Hills National Forest Pile Burning Information

• Northern Hills is burning piles that are located behind the Nemo Workcenter today in Nemo, SD and piles located approximately .5 miles east of Vanocker Canyon and the Dalton Lake Road Junction.

• Northern Hills is also planning to burn piles located west of HWY 85 off of Forest Service Road (FSR) 237.1 and 658.1. Piles will be burned on the east side of HWY 85 off of FSR 730.1, 740.1 and 198.1.

• Hell canyon will be burning piles south of Six Mile Road to Limestone Road for the remainder of the week, weather / snow conditions permitting.

Machine pile burning occurring in the northern Black Hills today

Northern Hills fire on the Black Hills National Forest, is burning 14 machine pile burns today, 12/2/2016, along snowmobile Trail #1 (FSR 222) near Schoolhouse Gulch and along FSR 393.1C (Geranium Park).

Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills Fire Burning Piles Today

Black Hills National Forest Northern Hills fire is burning piles located in the Experimental Forest area today (12/1/16). Conditions permitting, ignition will continue through the week.

Pile Burning to Start in the Black Hills National Forest

Fire Crews Burn Piles across the Black Hills National Forest

Spearfish, SD; November 29, 2016 – Forest Managers are working to reduce hazardous fuels across the Black Hills National Forest.

Starting today & continuing through the week into next week, Northern Hills fire will be burning piles located South of Aspen Hills Rd, East of Forest Service Road (FSR) 134.1, North of 222.2 and off of FSR 207, west of Rochford Rd.

Throughout the winter, Districts across the Black Hills National Forest are focusing efforts on burning hand and machine slash piles. Piles are created from timber sale slash and tree thinning operations.

“It is very important to reduce fire and insect hazards by reducing fuel buildup,” said Todd Pechota, Black Hills National Forest Fire Management Officer. “With today’s snowfall in the northern hills and extended forecast, conditions are good for reducing these forest fuels through pile burning.”

Smoke will be visible and may impact local communities across the Black Hills for the next several months. Smoldering material may continue to burn days after burning operations are completed. Crews will continue to burn as conditions permit. Firefighters continually monitor and check the piles for several days after they have been lit.

“We appreciate the support from the communities,” said Pechota. “Being able to reduce these fuels this time of year makes fire suppression operations safer during the summer months.” 

Burning operations will continue throughout the winter as conditions permit.

For more pile burning information and notifications, follow the Black Hills National Forest on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackhillsnf or Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackHillsNF

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.

-USDA-

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Silver Mountain Prescribed Fire A Success

Rapid City, SD; November 16, 2016 – 209 acres were successfully ignited yesterday, November 15, 2016, on the Black Hills National Forest Silver Mountain prescribed fire. 

The Silver Mountain project area is located approximately 10 miles west/southwest of Rapid City, SD between Highway 16 and Sheridan Lake Road, along Boulder Hill Road to the west.

The prescribed fire was effective in breaking up the continuity of dead, downed fuels which will lessen the severity and extent of future wildfires in the project area. The fire will also benefit wildlife habitat and create a more adaptive fire ecosystem.

Typically, the Forest Service will only burn when the smoke dispersal rating is fair or better. A rating of fair or better allows smoke to rise higher in the atmosphere and allows upper air winds to disperse smoke. Officials said smoke dispersal was very good yesterday resulting in light smoke impacts.

Ignition will not continue today, however, resources will remain on scene to extinguish burning and smoldering material near fire lines.

The Silver Mountain prescribed fire was conducted in the area of the Battle Creek Fire that occurred in 2002.

For more information on Black Hills National Forest prescribed fire, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=STELPRDB5112694

Silver Mountain Prescribed Fire

November 15, 2016

3:25 p.m. - Photos of the Silver Mountain prescribed fire are posted at: https://www.facebook.com/pg/blackhillsnf/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1705642313029698

2:40 p.m. - 70% ignition complete of the 209 acres planned for today.

10:30 a.m. - After a successful test burn, ignition has begun on the Silver Mountain prescribed fire.

November 14, 2016 – The Mystic Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest is planning to ignite 221 acres on the Silver Mountain project Tuesday, November 15 & Wednesday, November 16, depending on weather. Smoke will be visible for several miles and could impact Highway 16, Hill City, Rapid City and other surrounding areas. Crews have been preparing to implement the project to meet management objectives for several years.

The Silver Mountain project area is located approximately 10 miles west/southwest of Rapid City, SD between Highway 16 and Sheridan Lake Road, along Boulder Hill Road to the west.

The goal of the Silver Mountain Prescribed Fire is to maintain a mosaic of vegetation conditions created by the Battle Creek Fire of 2002. This project will lessen the severity and extent of future wildfires in the project area by breaking up the continuity of dead, downed fuels, ultimately reducing those fuel loads. Fire will also be utilized as a tool to thin pine regeneration and increase canopy base heights. Additionally, this burn will stimulate browse for big game species.

After many years of fire exclusion, an ecosystem, such as the Black Hills, needs periodic fire to remain healthy. Without it, trees are stressed by overcrowding, fire-dependent species disappear, and flammable fuels build up and become hazardous.

Forest visitors, including hunters, are asked to be aware of their surroundings and watch for prescribed burning operations in the months ahead. Areas where burning operations are taking place will be signed to notify visitors. The public is also encouraged to contact a nearby Forest Service office with questions.

As conditions permit, fire officials will continue to assess ignition of other prescribed burn units across the Black Hills National Forest.

For more information on Black Hills National Forest prescribed fire, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=STELPRDB5112694

211 Helpline Center and Great Plains Fire Information Partner on Area Fire Alert Messaging

Subscribe by texting 'GPFire' to 898211

Rapid City, SD - Great Plains Fire Information, comprised of the Black Hills National Forest, Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands and South Dakota Wildland Fire Division, is partnering with the 211 Helpline Center to notify the public of significant fire activity within the Great Plains geographical area (Black Hills and surrounding areas) using text messaging.

To subscribe, text ‘GPFire’ to 898211. Text ‘STOP’ to cancel at any time.

Notification text will be sent to those who subscribe on significant fire activity, including wildland and prescribed fires within the Great Plains Dispatch Zone.

“We are always looking for ways to improve communications during a wildland fire or prescribed fire that may draw interest due to its location, size and/or impacts it’s having on a community,” said Scott Jacobson, Black Hills National Forest Public Affairs Officer. “Almost everyone has a phone that can receive a text and this gives us another avenue we can reach people with critical fire alerts and messaging.”

Fire officials partnered with 211 to use this texting feature during the Crow Peak fire that occurred near Spearfish, SD last summer. “We had great success in keeping the public informed on the status of the fire and area closures,” said Brenda Bowen, Crow Peak Fire Public Information Officer.

Public Information Officers (PIOs) from Federal and State agencies continue to work together to distribute information about initial attack fires within the Great Plains initial attack zone. Along with this new texting feature, area fire information can be obtained via one common phone number, e-mail, blog, and Twitter account.

Great Plains Fire Information/PIO Contact Information:

• Phone Number - (605) 923-8868 
• Email - greatplainsfireinfo@gmail.com
• Blog - http://gpfireinfo.blogspot.com/
• Twitter - @GPFireInfo
• Text: GPFire to 898211

Work Center Prescribed Burn

Work Center Prescribed Fire Photos: https://www.facebook.com/blackhillsnf/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1702067523387177

Ignitions have been completed on the Work Center prescribed fire today. Crews successfully burned 30 acres in one unit.

The burn plan parameters were on the low end of the prescription and fire officials decided to focus on completing one smaller unit. They will look at burning more units at a later date as conditions permit.

11:45 a.m. - Ignitions on the Work Center RX are 75% complete.

The North Zone Fire Program on the Black Hills National Forest has successfully completed a test burn & are proceeding with the Work Center Prescribed Fire Project  today, Monday, November 7, 2016. 

The Work Center Project is about one mile southwest of the City of Spearfish, South Dakota, off of Forest Service road 134, (Tinton Road). Smoke will be visible from the City of Spearfish and Interstate 90. Areas of smoke will be more noticeable in the evening and in the morning after the completion of the prescribed burn and could reach portions of neighborhoods within Spearfish City Limits.

November 6th, 2015

Mahto Fire

• Reported:  14:24 pm
• Location: North Side of Bear Butte
• Size:  37 acres
• State & Local resources on scene
• Cause: Human

Y4 Fire

• Reported:  9:13 am
• Location: Pass Creek Road, Custer County
• Size:  1/10 acre
• Cause: Human - Illegal Campfire
• Out

Long Draw Prescribed Burn

Originally ignited November 1st.  
Located approximately 5 miles south west of Hill City, SD near Newton Fork Road, south of Reno Gulch road, Odakota Mountain and west of the Medicine Mountain Boy Scout Camp.

Smoke was visible today as pockets of unburned fuels in the interior continue to burn. Crews remain on scene monitoring the fire.

The goal of the Long Draw Prescribed Fire is to establish and maintain a mosaic of vegetation conditions over the project area. This project will lessen the severity and extent of future wildfires in the project area by breaking up the continuity of dead, downed fuels, ultimately reducing fuel loads. Fire will also be utilized as a tool to thin pine regeneration and increase canopy base heights. Additionally, the burn will stimulate browse for big game species.

Work Center Prescribed Burn

• About one mile southwest of the City of Spearfish, South Dakota, off of Forest Service road 134, (Tinton Road). Smoke will be visible from the City of Spearfish and Interstate 90. 
• Planned ignition November 7th if burning conditions are within prescription.

November 5th, 2016. 10:45 am

Johnson Fire - UPDATE

• Reported:  17:45 pm. November 4th
• Location: Beretta Road on Black Hills National Forest
• Size:  12 acres
• Federal, Local & State resources on scene
• Cause: Under Investigation
• 100% Contained.  Crews mopping up.

Prescribed Fire Planned in Northern Black Hills

Spearfish, SD, November 4, 2016 – Forest Officials from the North Zone Fire Program on the Black Hills National Forest are planning to burn approximately 225 acres on the Work Center Prescribed Fire Project as early as Monday, November, 7. North Zone Fire Program is also planning to burn approximately 133 acres on the Burner Prescribed Fire Project next week.

The Work Center Project is about one mile southwest of the City of Spearfish, South Dakota, off of Forest Service road 134, (Tinton Road). Smoke will be visible from the City of Spearfish and Interstate 90. Areas of smoke will be more noticeable in the evening and in the morning after the completion of the prescribed burn and could reach portions of neighborhoods within Spearfish City Limits.

The Burner Project is approximately three miles northwest of Sundance, WY off of Forest Service road 838, (Warren Peak Hwy). Smoke will be visible from Sundance and Interstate 90. Areas of smoke will be more noticeable in the evening and in the morning after the completion of the prescribed burn and could reach portions of neighborhoods within Sundance City Limits.

Fuel moistures and weather conditions such as temperature and wind direction will be a contributing factor for determining which project Fire Officials will implement first, as well as deciding which day next week to conduct the burn project. Objectives of the burn are to reduce surface and ladder fuels that contribute to crown fire hazard. The reduction of excess hazardous fuels provides additional protection to nearby homes, while also providing fire managers safe and effective areas in which to manage future wildland fires. Additional goals include providing for diverse ecosystems, improving sensitive plant habitats within the unit, and to promote foraging opportunities for animals.

Prescribed Fire Specialists compare conditions on the ground to those outlined in burn plans before deciding whether to burn on a given day. A prescribed burn will not be ignited unless the conditions meet the criteria described in the burn plan. Resources will continue to monitor the prescribed burn through the week, and until declared out.

The Parking Lots and Trailheads for the Tinton Trail system will be temporarily closed the day of the burn for use by fire officials. The Tinton Trail will remain open. Officials ask recreationalists to find parking outside of the trailheads and prescribed fire project area.

Forest visitors, including hunters, are asked to be aware of their surroundings and watch for prescribed burning operations in the months ahead. Traffic control on Forest Service roads during implementation, may be in place to provide safety to visitors who are passing through the burn area. Areas where burning operations are taking place will be signed to notify visitors. The public is also encouraged to contact a nearby Forest Service Ranger District office with questions.

As conditions permit, fire officials will continue to assess ignition of other prescribed burn units across the Black Hills National Forest.


For more information on Black Hills National Forest prescribed fire, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=STELPRDB5112694

November 4th, 2016 - Updated at 5:45

Reuter Fire

• Reported:  16:46 pm
• Location: North of Sundance on Black Hlls National Forest along Warren Peak Highway
• Size: 1/10  acre
• Contained, Controlled, Out
• Cause: Human

Johnson Fire

• Reported:  17:45 pm
• Location: Beretta Road on Black Hills National Forest
• Size:  Estimated 8-10 acres
• Federal, Local & State resources on scene
• Cause: Under Investigation
• Firefighters have stopped the forward progress; suppression is also being aided by the fire burning into the 2008 Bitter Prescribed Burn.

Calumet Fire

• Reported:  12:38 pm
• Location: 2 miles south of Sheridan Lake on Black Hills National Forest
• Size:  .85  acre
• Federal, Local & State resources on scene
• Cause: Under Investigation

Lagoon Fire Nearing Completion

The Lagoon Prescribed Fire near Chadron, Nebraska is nearing completion.  Ignitions around the fire perimeter are complete, and approximately 26 fire personnel remain on site to monitor fire activity and to mop up any interior hot spots. Smoke may remain visible through tomorrow afternoon near Pine Ridge Job Corps.

The 20-acre prescribed fire has decreased vegetation near the inlet and outlet pipes of the Pine Ridge Job Corps Center’s wastewater lagoon, preventing root damage to the underground liner that protects the soil from contamination from the lagoon's water.

For more information about this or other local prescribed fires, please contact the U.S. Forest Service, Pine Ridge Ranger District office at 125 North Main in Chadron or by phone at 308-432-0300.

 

 

Small Fire Update: Wednesday, 11-2-2016

Wednesday, 11-2-2016

MM 115 Fire

• Size: .1 acre
• Location: Eastbound Mile Marker 115, Interstate-90 near Wall, SD
• Contained @ 2:35 p.m.
• Cause: human
• Local VFD and Federal resources responded.

Lagoon Prescribed Fire Planned for Thursday near Chadron

The Pine Ridge Ranger District of the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands plans to burn approximately 20 acres on Thursday, November 3.  The Lagoon Prescribed Fire unit is located approximately 10 miles south of Chadron, Nebraska, east of Highway 385, behind the Pine Ridge Job Corps Center.

“The primary purpose of the Lagoon Prescribed Fire is to decrease vegetation near the inlet and outlet pipes of the Pine Ridge Job Corps Center’s wastewater lagoon. Reducing the vegetation will also decrease root damage to the underground liner that protects the soil from contamination from this water.” said Michael Mattmiller, Acting District Fire Management Officer.

Smoke may be visible from Highway 385 and 20 and from the communities of Chadron, Hay Springs, and Crawford.  Access may be limited on the Job Corps By-Pass Road (FS 775) for a short amount of time if smoke becomes an issue.

Please see below for a map of the planned fire's location.  Paper maps of the burn area are available at the Pine Ridge Ranger District office at 125 North Main in Chadron.  The public is encouraged to stop by that office or call 308-432-0300 if they have questions.

 

 

 

Applee Tree Prescribed Fire Planned November 2 & 3 in Custer State Park

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division, Custer State Park and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks are planning to ignite the Apple Tree prescribed fire on Wednesday, Nov. 2. Ignition will continue Thursday, Nov. 3, as conditions allow.

Firefighters are planning on burning approximately 624 acres. This project is located in Custer State Park, off of the southern end of the Wildlife Loop Road.

This interagency prescribed fire is a cooperative effort with grant funding provided by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. This grant funding helps meet land management objectives that otherwise could not have been accomplished due to budget constraints.

Objectives of the burn are to improve wildlife habitat, provide quality forage and reduce hazardous fuels in an effort to create and maintain a forested landscape that inhibits the spread of unwanted fire to the crowns of trees. Weather conditions will be monitored closely to ensure prescribed fire conditions align with management objectives for the burn.

Prescribed fire is used to maintain healthy native vegetation and is needed to prevent the encroachment of invasive species. Fire also reduces the hazardous buildup of debris and dead vegetation which can fuel wildfires.

Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas, and can linger for several days after ignition has been completed. Fire crews will secure, patrol and monitor fire lines as appropriate for public and firefighter safety. For more information on smoke management visit:  http://gpfireinfo.blogspot.com/p/smoke-management.html. 

Long Draw Prescribed Fire near Hill City, SD - Nov. 1 & 2

11/2/16 

• 11:45 a.m. - Test fire was successful, ignitions have begun on the Long Draw Rx.
• 11:20 a.m. - Firefighters have ignited the Long Draw test fire.

11/1/16 

• 6:00 p.m. - Long Draw Prescribed Fire Update: Ignitions were completed on the Long Draw rx approximately 5:30 p.m. today. Fire officials said the prescribed fire went as planned and are planning to continue with this prescribed fire tomorrow, Nov. 2, weather permitting.

• Long Draw prescribed fire photos are posted online at: https://www.facebook.com/blackhillsnf/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1699090527018210

• 12:30 p.m. - The Long Draw RX has been ignited

10/31/16 
Black Hills National Forest Central Zone Fire is planning to ignite 1,100 acres on the Long Draw project on Tuesday & Wednesday, November 1 & 2, weather permitting.

This project is located approximately 5 miles south west of Hill City, SD near Newton Fork Road, south of Reno Gulch road, Odakota Mountain and west of the Medicine Mountain Boy Scout Camp.

The goal of the Long Draw Prescribed Fire is to establish and maintain a mosaic of vegetation conditions over the project area. This project will lessen the severity and extent of future wildfires in the project area by breaking up the continuity of dead, downed fuels, ultimately reducing fuel loads. Fire will also be utilized as a tool to thin pine regeneration and increase canopy base heights. Additionally, the burn will stimulate browse for big game species.

"Low intensity fire benefits the landscape by cleaning the forest floor and destroys diseases and insects that prey on trees," said Adam Ziegler, Burn Boss Trainee. "It provides valuable nutrients that enrich the soil and heat needed for seed germination."

Fire reduces competition for nutrients by removing debris and weaker trees and allows established trees to grow stronger and healthier.

Smoke will be visible from Rapid City, Hill City, Custer, SD, surrounding areas and from Highway 16/385. Smoke will be visible in the days following ignition and firefighters will remain on scene monitoring the burn for as long as needed.

Weather conditions will be monitored closely to assure prescribed fire conditions align with management objectives for the burn.

For more information on Black Hills National Forest prescribed fire, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=STELPRDB5112694

Long Draw Prescribed Fire near Hill City, SD

11/2/16 

• 1:15 p.m. - 40% ignition completed.
• 11:45 a.m. - Test fire was successful, crews plan to ignite 300 acres today.
• 11:20 a.m. - Firefighters have ignited the Long Draw test fire.

11/1/16 

• 6:00 p.m. - Long Draw Prescribed Fire Update: Ignitions were completed on the Long Draw rx approximately 5:30 p.m. today. Fire officials said the prescribed fire went as planned and are planning to continue with this prescribed fire tomorrow, Nov. 2, weather permitting.

• Long Draw prescribed fire photos are posted online at: https://www.facebook.com/blackhillsnf/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1699090527018210

• 12:30 p.m. - The Long Draw RX has been ignited

10/31/16 
Black Hills National Forest Central Zone Fire is planning to ignite 1,100 acres on the Long Draw project on Tuesday & Wednesday, November 1 & 2, weather permitting.

This project is located approximately 5 miles south west of Hill City, SD near Newton Fork Road, south of Reno Gulch road, Odakota Mountain and west of the Medicine Mountain Boy Scout Camp.

The goal of the Long Draw Prescribed Fire is to establish and maintain a mosaic of vegetation conditions over the project area. This project will lessen the severity and extent of future wildfires in the project area by breaking up the continuity of dead, downed fuels, ultimately reducing fuel loads. Fire will also be utilized as a tool to thin pine regeneration and increase canopy base heights. Additionally, the burn will stimulate browse for big game species.

"Low intensity fire benefits the landscape by cleaning the forest floor and destroys diseases and insects that prey on trees," said Adam Ziegler, Burn Boss Trainee. "It provides valuable nutrients that enrich the soil and heat needed for seed germination."

Fire reduces competition for nutrients by removing debris and weaker trees and allows established trees to grow stronger and healthier.

Smoke will be visible from Rapid City, Hill City, Custer, SD, surrounding areas and from Highway 16/385. Smoke will be visible in the days following ignition and firefighters will remain on scene monitoring the burn for as long as needed.

Weather conditions will be monitored closely to assure prescribed fire conditions align with management objectives for the burn.

For more information on Black Hills National Forest prescribed fire, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=STELPRDB5112694

Whaley Prescribed Fire Photos

Photos from today's (10/28/16) Whaley prescribed fire are posted online at: https://www.facebook.com/blackhillsnf/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1696866997240563

Whaley prescribed fire

Night shift fire crews are monitoring the Whaley prescribed fire tonight (10/28/16).

(Whaley rx photo by Brandon Selk, Black Hills National Forest)

The Whaley prescribed fire has been ignited near Hill City, SD today, Oct. 28, 2016. 

Rifle Pit Prescribed Fire Cancelled in Northern Black Hills

Rifle Pit Prescribed Fire Cancellation Photos

Spearfish, SD – The Black Hills National Forest Rifle pit prescribed fire planned for today, October 27, 2016 was cancelled.

Crews initiated a test burn this morning to determine if burn objectives would be met if the full burn were initiated. Although conditions in the field were meeting the prescription in the burn plan, burn objectives did not appear that they would be met due to weather and fuel conditions being on the low end of the prescription.

The burn plan identifies parameters under which fuels should burn to meet objectives safely, such as temperature, humidity, wind, moisture of the vegetation, and conditions for the dispersal of smoke. Fire specialists compared observations of the test fire to the objectives in the burn plan, and determined that the results were not as expected.

The test burn was extinguished and crews remained on scene to monitor any residual smoke.

For more information on Black Hills National Forest prescribed fire, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=STELPRDB5112694

Prescribed Fire Planned Friday, October 28, 2016 near Hill City, SD

Rapid City, SD – Black Hills National Forest Central Zone Fire is planning to ignite 345 acres on the Whaley project on Friday, October 28, weather permitting.

This project is located approximately 1.25 miles north east of Hill City, northwest of the Three Forks junction of Hwy 385 and US 16.

Weather conditions will be monitored closely to assure prescribed fire conditions align with management objectives for the burn.

Objectives of the burn are to reduce hazardous fuels in an effort to create and maintain a forested landscape that inhibits the spread of unwanted fire to crowns of trees. The burn will also provide additional forage for wildlife species.

Smoke may be visible from Hill City and Rapid City, South Dakota and surrounding areas, and can linger for several days after ignition has been completed. Forest Service crews will secure, patrol, and monitor fire lines for as long as needed. For more information on smoke management visit: http://gpfireinfo.blogspot.com/p/smoke-management.html.


For more information on Black Hills National Forest prescribed fire, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=STELPRDB5112694

Prescribed Fire Planned in Northern Black Hills

Custer, SD, October 26, 2016 – Forest Officials from the Northern Hills Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest are planning to burn approximately 190 acres on the Rifle Pit Prescribed Fire Project units 1 and 2 tomorrow, Thursday, October 27, depending on weather. Smoke will be visible for several miles and may persist for several days.

The Rifle Pit units are approximately 3 miles southeast of Cement Ridge Lookout on the South Dakota/Wyoming Line off Wagon Canyon Road (FS 805.3).

Objectives of the burn are to reduce surface and ladder fuels that contribute to crown fire hazard, thereby protecting nearby homes, while also providing fire managers safe and effective areas in which to manage future wildland fires. Additional goals include providing diverse ecosystems and improving big game and songbird/raptor habitat. This area has experienced heavy bark beetle mortality, and prescribed fire will help move conditions towards restoring this landscape.

Prescribed fire specialists compare conditions on the ground to those outlined in burn plans before deciding whether to burn on a given day. A prescribed burn will not be ignited unless the conditions meet the criteria described in the burn plan.

Forest visitors, including hunters, are asked to be aware of their surroundings and watch for prescribed burning operations in the months ahead. Areas where burning operations are taking place will be signed to notify visitors. The public is also encouraged to contact a nearby Forest Service office with questions.

Fire officials will continue to monitor the fire through the weekend.

For more information on Black Hills National Forest prescribed fire, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=STELPRDB5112694

Prescribed Fire Planned in Southern Black Hills National Forest

Custer, SD – The Hell Canyon Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest is planning to ignite 1,500 acres on the Anti-Horse prescribed fire project Tuesday, October 25 - Wednesday, October 26, depending on weather. Smoke will be visible for several miles and could impact Highway 16 west of Custer, SD. Crews have been preparing to implement the project to meet management objectives for several years.

The Anti-Horse project area, located approximately 18 miles west of Custer, SD or 2 miles northwest of Jewel Cave National Monument, focuses on treating Forest Service land to reduce hazardous fuels.

Prescribed fire is an important tool in reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire across the landscape. It allows fire managers to reintroduce fire, using lower fire intensities, to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations on the forest floor.

Hazardous fuels reduction will help to protect nearby private property and homes, and to aid fire suppression, tactics and strategies in the event of an unplanned wildland fire.

Prescribed fire also encourages new growth in forage for wildlife and cattle, maintains many plant and animal species whose habitats depend on periodic fire, minimizes the spread of pest insects; removes unwanted species that threaten species native to an ecosystem and recycles nutrients back to the soil.

Prescribed fire specialists compare conditions on the ground to those outlined in burn plans before deciding whether to burn on a given day. A prescribed burn will not be ignited unless the conditions meet the criteria described in the burn plan.

Forest visitors, including hunters, are asked to be aware of their surroundings and watch for prescribed burning operations in the months ahead. Areas where burning operations are taking place will be signed to notify visitors. The public is also encouraged to contact a nearby Forest Service office with questions.

As conditions permit, fire officials will continue to assess ignition of other prescribed burn units across the Black Hills National Forest.

For more information on Black Hills National Forest prescribed fire, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=STELPRDB5112694

Cottonwood Fire

Cottonwood Fire (CA - County Assist)

Reported:  Oct 16, 2016, 1:00 pm
Located:  Approximately 15 miles east of Wall on I-90

Fire Information:

The PIO is located at the Minuteman Missile Visitor Center

Contact:  (605) 863-0061
or
Login to:  pcimt3.blogspot.com

October 16, 2016

Bald Wildfire

Reported: 10:48 am
Location: Bald Hill area between Pactola and Sheridan Lake
Size: 2.75 acres
Resources: Federal, State and Local
Cause: Unknown

Battle Mountain Fire

Update 7:30 p.m. 

Battle Mountain fire is now 100% contained!

Due to more accurate mapping, the fire is reduced to 20.7 acres. 

Tomorrow Local and State crews will continue mop up efforts. 

Update 2:08 p.m. 

Fire is now 90% contained. 

• Started on Friday, October 15 at 7:50 PM
• Local, State, and Federal resources responded
• 22.45 acres
• No structures threatened, no evacuations
• 60 % of the fire perimeter is surrounded by dozer and handline
• Fire investigator is on scene
• Today crews will continue working on 100% containment and mop up

Photo taken by Brady Rothschadl

Photo by Justin Evans

October 14, 2016

Rhubarb Wildfire:

Reported:  1:07 pm
Size:  .1 acre
Location: Behind Prairie Berry 2 miles east of Hill City
Resources:  Federal and Local resources responding
Cause: Tree fell on powerline

October 3, 2016

Recent Fires

Sep 29:
Black Gap Wildfire

• .45 acres
• Controlled
• Cause unknown 

Sep 30:

ORV Wildfire

• Location: 5 miles NW of Ft Pierre
• .6 acres
• Controlled
• Cause: unknown

September 19, 2016

Falling Rock Campfire

• Reported: 11:33 pm
• Location: Pennington County, near Falling Rock, on Black Hills National Forest
• Size:  0.10 acres
• Federal and VFD resources responded 
• Controlled

Update: September 18, 2016

Incident #1 - Soy Bean CA Wildfire

• Reported: 1:50 pm
• Location: Stanley County; 10 miles NW of Ft Pierre.
• Size:  11.6 acres
• Resources responded. Controlled.
• Cause: equipment

Incident #2 - First Thunder Wildfire

• Reported: 2:51 pm
• Location: 2 miles off Sheridan Lake Road on Victoria Lake Rd. Fire is burning on Black Hills National Forest.
• Size: 17.5 acres
• Resources:  Federal, State and VFD'S
• Cause: undetermined
• Contained

First Thunder Fire (photo by Brady Rothschadl, 9/18/16)

September 16, 2016

Forbes Fire (12:20 pm)

• Located in the Northern Black Hills, west of I-90, near exit 37
• 0.25 acres
• Resources: Federal and State on scene

Forbes Fire

Forbes Fire

308 Fire (1:18 pm)

• Located in Custer Co., 2 Miles WSW Of Pringle, SD 
• 0.6 acres 
• Resources: Federal and State on scene

September 8, 2016

Preserve (#2) fire (3:29 pm)

• Location: Whitney Preserve Area near Cascade, South Dakota (Fall River County)
• Size: 16 acres
• Resources: Federal, State and VFD responding
• Cause: unknown

September 7, 2016

Updates as of Thursday, September 8th

Buffalo fire (3:14 pm)

• Location: east side of Custer State Park, South Dakota (North of the airport, Custer County)
• Size: 0.1 acres
• Resources: Federal & State responding
• Cause: equipment
• Controlled as of 4:31 pm

Deer (#2) fire (12:11 pm)

• Location: 6.5 miles southwest of Custer, South Dakota (2 miles south of 9 Mile Draw, Custer County)
• Size: 0.25 acres
• Resources: Federal & State responding
• Cause: lighting
• Controlled as of 4:21 pm

September 6, 2016

North Dakota fire (4:44 am)

• Location: 0.5 miles north of Sheridan Lake, South Dakota
• Size: 0.2 acres
• Resources: Federal and State responding
• Cause: human
• Contained as of 9:09 am

September 5, 2016

Updates as of Tuesday, September 6

Deer Spring fire (7:16 pm)

• Location: 3 miles south of Hardy Guard, South Dakota (Lawrence County) 
• Size: 0.1 acres
• Cause: lightning
• Controlled as of 8:30 pm

Boarding fire (4:39 pm)

• Location: 1 mile northwest of north boat launch of Pactola Reservoir, South Dakota (Pennington County) 
• Size: 0.1 acres
• Resources: State responding 
• Cause: lightning
• Controlled as of 2:36 pm

Chopper fire (4:14 pm)

• Location: 2.3 miles northwest of Crazy Horse Memorial, South Dakota (Pennington County) 
• Size: 0.1 acres
• Cause: lightning
• Contained as of 11:51 pm

Shank fire (2:23 pm)

• Location: 6 miles south of Teepee Work Center, South Dakota (Custer County) 
• Size: 0.1 acres
• Resources: State responding
• Cause: lightning
• Controlled as of 4:43 pm

South Fork fire (2:20 pm)

• Location: 3 miles southwest of Deerfield Lake, South Dakota (Pennington County) 
• Size: 0.1 acres
• Resources: Federal responding
• Cause: lightning
• Contained as of 5:30 pm 

Pass Creek Well (#3) fire (1:48 pm)

• Location: 3.5 miles east of Dewey, South Dakota (Near Pass Creek Well, Custer County)
• Size: 33 acres
• Resources: Federal and State responding
• Contained as of 12:47 pm

Big Spring (#2) fire (12:45 pm)

• Location: 1 mile southeast of Crow Peak, South Dakota (Lawrence County)
• Size: 0.1 acres
• Resources: Federal responding
• Cause: lightning
• Controlled as of 6:30 pm

Windmill fire (8:55 am)

• Location: North of Jewel Cave, South Dakota (Windmill Draw area, Custer County)
• Size: 0.1 acres
• Resources: Federal and State responding
• Cause: lightning
• Controlled as of 2:33 pm

September 4, 2016

Updates as of Monday, September 5

Picnic fire (6:30 pm)

• Location: Sheridan Lake Road, South Dakota
• Size: 0.1 acres
• Resources: Federal responding
• Cause: lightning
• Contained/Controlled as of 8:12 pm

Hunter (#9) fire (5:27 pm)

• Location: southwest of Crawford, Nebraska (Dawes County)
• Size: 0.1 acres
• Resources: Federal responding
• Cause: lightning
• Contained/Controlled/Out as of 6:30 pm

Interior fire (4:00 pm)

• Location: 2.2 miles southeast of Interior, South Dakota (Pennington County)
• Size: 1.42 acres
• Cause: lightning
• Contained as of 4:30 pm

Burlington Dam (#6) fire (2:29 pm)

• Location: 6 miles north of Edgemont, South Dakota (Burlington Dam area, Fall River County)
• Size: 0.1 acres
• Resources: Federal and State responding
• Cause: lightning
• Contained as of 3:45 pm & Controlled as of 4:53 pm

White (#5) fire (1:16 pm)

• Location: 5 miles west of Rochford, South Dakota (Near Whitetail Peak, Pennington County)
• Size: 0.1 acres
• Resources: Federal and VFD responding
• Cause: lightning
• Contained/Controlled as of 6:18 pm

Coffee Flats (#4) fire (1:16 pm)

• Location: 9 miles southwest of Edgemont, South Dakota
• Size: 195 acres 
• Resources: Federal and VFD responding
• Cause: lightning
• Contained as of 3:47 pm

Haven fire (12:21 pm)

• Location: 5 miles northeast of Pringle, South Dakota (2.5 miles southeast of Cicero Peak, Custer County)
• Size: .4 acres
• Resources: Federal, State, & VFD responding
• Cause: lightning
• Contained as of 9:55 pm

Booms fire (11:47 am)

• Location: 8 miles northwest of Hot Springs, South Dakota (Near Brooms Canyon, Fall River County)
• Size: 0.35 acres
• Resources: Federal responding
• Cause: lightning
• Contained at 1:45pm

Krusee fire (9:07 am)

• Location: 6 miles northwest of Sundance, Wyoming (Near Bear Den Canyon off Miller Creek Road)
• Size: 0.1 acres
• Resources: Federal responding
• Cause: lightning
• Contained at 10:30am

September 3, 2016

Power Pole fire (7:06 pm)

• Location: 1 mile south of Pringle, South Dakota
• Size: 0.1 acres
• Resources: Federal & VFD responding
• Cause: Lightning
• Contained & Controlled as of 7:57 pm

August 29, 2016

No new wildfire activity for today.

Updates:
 Shaw Fire

• Contained @ 1745 on 8-27-2016
• Size: 2.4 acres
• Location: 5 miles East of Devils Tower, Crook County, WY
• Federal and local VFDs responding
• Cause: Lightning

August 27, 2016

Price Trust Fire

• Contained @ 6:45 p.m.
• Size: 4.75 acres
• Location: 5 miles Southeast of Devils Tower, Crook County, WY
• Federal and local VFDs responding
• Cause: Lightning 

Shaw Fire

• Size: 2.4 acres
• Location: 5 miles East of Devils Tower, Crook County, WY
• Federal and local VFDs responding
• Cause: Lightning

Other Updates

Snyder Fire

• Controlled @ 1200 p.m. today
• Contained @ 8:54 p.m. on 8/26
• Size: .1 acre, single tree
• Federal resources responded
• Cause: Lightning

August 24, 2016

No new wildfire activity for today.

August 23, 2016

Maitland CA fire (#2) (11:36 am)

• Location: 6.5 miles southwest of Angustora Resevoir, South Dakota
• Size: 34.5 acres
• Resources: Federal, State, & VFD responding
• Cause: Human

August 22, 2016

Raddick fire (4:19pm)

• Location: 4.5 miles southwest of Cheyenne Crossing, South Dakota (Lawrence County); Raddick Gulch area
• Size: 0.25 acres
• Resources: Federal responding
• Cause: Lightning

August 21, 2016

Updated: 8/23/2016 at 1:20 pm

Henderson fire (3:15pm)

• 100% contained and declared out
• Location: 10 miles south of Gering, Nebraska (Banner County)
• Size: 60 acres
• Resources: unknown
• Cause: Lightning

August 19th

Updates from August 18th

South Falls Fire

• Location: McKelvie NF in Nebraska
• Size: 15 acres
• Resources: NBNF Engine
• Cause: Lightning

August 18th

Updates from late 8/18/2016

Missile Road Fire

• Location: Custer County, S. of Hermosa, W of Hwy 79
• Size: 2.0 acres
• Resources: Unknown
• Cause: Unknown

Piller Fire

• Location: Lawrence County- Pillar Peak and Bear Den Mountain
• Size: 0.1 acres
• Resources: BKF Engines
• Cause: Unknown

August 16th

Serenity Fire

• Location: Old Belle Road and Creek Side Loop
• Size: 1.7 acres
• Resources: BKF Engines
• Cause: Unknown

August 15, 2016

Mile Marker 18 Fire

• Size: 0.1 acre
• Location: Exit 17 Spearfish off I-90
• Resources: BKF and Local
• Cause: Human
• Out at 11:37am MST

Other Updates
Woodcock Fire

• Size: .25 acres
• Location: 5.5 miles East of Argyle, SD
• Federal, local, and helicopter resources responded
• Cause: Lightning
• Controlled at 7:00 pm MST 08/14/2016

Benchmark Fire

• Size: 0.1 acre
• Location: North of Nemo, SD
• Federal & local resources responded
• Cause: Abandoned campfire
• Out at 2:16 pm MST 8/14/2016

August 13, 2016

Brakes

• Controlled @ 4:27 p.m. today
• Size: .75 acres
• Location: East of Aladdin Breaks, Crook County, WY
• Federal, State and local resources responded
• Cause: Lightning

Other Updates

Brady Creek

• 75% contained at 8:35 p.m. 08/11/2016
• Size:  50.89 acres
• Location: Northwest of Kadoka, SD
• Federal and local resources responding
• Cause: Lightning

Mathews County Assist

• Contained @ 6:15 p.m. on 08/11/2016
• Size: 35.2 acres
• Location: Stanley County 15 miles Southwest of Ft. Pierre, SD
• Federal and local resources responded
• Cause: Lightning

Williams Gulch

• Controlled @ 6:55 p.m. 08/11/2016
• Size: .25 acres
• Location: Sand Creek area of Crook County, WY
• Federal, local, and helicopter resources responded
• Cause: Lightning

August 12, 2016

Merritt

• Contained & controlled @ 11:34 a.m. today
• Size: .18 acres
• Location: West of Black Hawk, SD
• Federal, State, Local and helicopter resources responded
• Cause: Lightning

Potato Gulch

• Contained 08/11/2016 @ 5:03 p.m. and controlled @ 5:18 p.m.
• Size: .1 acre
• Location: North of Custer State Park, SD
• Federal, State, Local and helicopter resources responded
• Cause: Lightning

Bald Hill

• Contained @ 2:41 p.m. 08/11/2016
• Size: 1 acre
• Location: West of Hermosa, SD
• State, Federal, and Local resources responding
• Cause: Lightning

Boardgate

• Contained @ 1:40 p.m. 08/11/2016
• Size: .88 acres
• Location: Near Sugarloaf area, North of Crawford, NE in Sioux County
• Federal Resources responding
• Cause: Equipment Use

Other Fire Updates:

Thompson

• Contained @ 11:20 am 08/11/2016
• Size: .5 acre
• Location: 5 miles Southeast of Beulah, WY
• Federal and Local resources responding
• Cause: Lightning

Twin Buttes

• Contained @ 7:30 p.m. 08/10/2016
• Size: .1 acre
• Location: Northwest of Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center, Sioux County, NE
• Federal resources responding
• Cause: Lightning

Montrose

• Contained @ 12:00 p.m. 08/11/2016
• Size:  926 acres
• Location: North of Hudson-Meng Education & Research Center, Sioux County, NE
• Federal and VFD resources responding
• Cause: Lightning